Teachers overwhelmingly support a remain vote in EU Referendum

75% of teachers think a stable economy has a positive impact on the UK’s education system

Over half (51%) say leaving the EU would have a negative impact on the future prospects of the pupils they teach

Teachers in the UK are overwhelmingly in favour of remaining in the European Union, with the majority believing a vote for Brexit would damage the future prospects of the pupils they teach, according to exclusive new research released today by TES.

TES conducted a survey of 751 UK school teachers between 9th and 13th June 2016, in partnership with YouGov, to ask their thoughts on the upcoming EU referendum vote.

The results are stark: 70% of teachers polled say they would vote for the UK to remain part of the EU, while 23% say they would vote for a Brexit, 6% are undecided and 1% say they wouldn’t vote.

Every region of the UK saw a majority of teachers supporting the ‘Remain’ campaign. Teachers in the South of England outside London were the most strongly in favour of staying in the EU with 74% of those polled saying they would vote to remain. By comparison, 61% of teachers in London would vote to remain – the lowest percentage of any region.

Rob Grimshaw, CEO of TES, comments: “As a business, TES endorses the pro-remain view strongly expressed by the teaching community. Remaining part of the European Union will promote the stability and economic certainty that we need to innovate, grow and create jobs. It’s also the best guarantee of the economic prosperity that underpins a strong education system and ensures a bright future for our country’s young people.”

Nicky Morgan, Secretary of State for Education, comments: “I know that the first priority of every teacher is doing all they can to secure the future success and wellbeing of the pupils they teach. That's why it's no surprise to me that teachers overwhelmingly back staying in Europe, because they know that the economic shock of a vote to leave would hit young people the hardest. Teachers want to see their pupils leaving school and starting adult life in a country where their opportunities are magnified, not one where those opportunities end at Britain's shores. That's why I'd urge teachers up and down the country who think Britain is safer, stronger and better off in Europe to make sure their voice is heard on June 23rd and to make sure we don't gamble with the future of the next generation."

Teachers worry over negative impact of a Brexit

More than half of teachers polled (51%) believe leaving the EU would negatively impact on the future prospects of the pupils they teach. A quarter (24%) state that a Brexit would have no impact on the future prospects of their pupils, while 12% believe it would have a positive impact, and a further 12% are unsure.

Finally, when asked about the impact of a stable economy on the UK’s education system, 75% of teachers say a stable economy has an impact, with 38% of teachers saying ‘a lot of impact’.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 751 adults of which 264 were from the South of England and 80 were from London. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 13th June 2016. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK School teachers (aged 18+) using gender, region and Primary/Secondary school. Age was applied post fieldwork.